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Comments from original posting under 2003 (Reply to this comment)
by mkaresh,  in Cars & Motorsports
Re: S60 R vs. Acura CL-S (Delete your comment)
by mkaresh
At the very least it's a 2004, which should be on sale through next summer. I thought it was also sold at the tail end of the 2003 model year, but maybe only outside the U.S. If it sells well I would surprise to see it discontinued, as Volvo is under intense pressure from Ford to boost profits.
Even if the R is discontinued after 2004, I expect many of its features to migrate to other S60 models. The all-wheel-drive system will appear on a version of the S80 this year, and I would expect it on some version of the S60 in later years. Aug 04 '03
3:53 am PST
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S60 R vs. Acura CL-S (Reply to this comment)
by themugster
Great review, mkaresh! The S60-R has been on my short list for my next ride, and I finally test-drove one yesterday for about 20-30 minutes...did some great twisties & even some 6th-gear hwy driving...sorta like an overdrive with pickup. Also, off a light, had it up to about 80 before I was in 3rd gear...excellent punch, nice torque curve. My '01 Acura CL-S has only 32K miles on it so I'm in no rush and have nothing to dislike about it...however, Acura has decided to discontinue the coupe after this model year, alas, and so if I'm looking at performance-oriented sedans, this S60-R has got to be in the running as a driver-oriented car. No rwd for me...too much winter around here in upstate NY. I think the non-nav CL-S is still going for about $32K, max, so there's a valid comparo here between it and the S60-R. AWD & turbo, plus all the suspension tweakery appears to put the S60-R out ahead, but it's still at an extra $10-12K above the CL-S. My local Volvo dealer (one of two) told me yesterday that the R is a one-year model...every 5 years, he says, Volvo does a tuner. Does anyone out there know when the last ones ship to the States? Or was he smokin' me? (I might go for this in the Fall if it's really got that tight a window.)
Happy Motoring!
The Mugster
Aug 03 '03
4:09 pm PST
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Re: Excellent Insights! (Delete your comment)
by mkaresh
Thanks for the informative comment. No doubt this is an exceelent car for long drives for all of the reasons you give and a few others as well 9such as Volvo's extremely comfortable seats). Jul 23 '03
3:51 am PST
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Excellent Insights! (Reply to this comment)
by stayinalive
So much detail and absolutely on the mark.
Regarding steering feedback - I agree the S60 does not provide "high-sensitivity" feedback. But my own experience over extended driving was that I eventually tuned in to the feedback that it does provide, and thereafter it was straightforward to command in performance driving situations, especially since uncommanded torque steer, oversteer, and understeer are so well managed.
The positive side to the damped steering feel: I drove an S60 from Denver to New York, mostly keeping with I-80 coming across. I have never had an easier time controlling a car or a less fatiguing drive over that great a distance. Very centered and balanced.
Regarding the V70R: I don't own one (yet), but it seems to be a very special breed, indeed. Considering the car market and parent Ford's financial woes, I'm surprised Volvo got this one in the lineup. Maybe it being the 50th anniversary of Volvo's first wagon played a role, or maybe it was just a gutsy move.
Jul 22 '03
10:28 pm PST
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Re: an additional thought (Delete your comment)
by mkaresh
I did not explore the amount this dealer was willing to discount. Edmunds suggests the average discount is small, but my sense has been that these numbers are sometimes not very accurate, especially when a car is new and sales data are minimal.
So thanks for providing that info.
I most likely won't be driving a V70R, as the dealer near me says it won't be stocking any. As I note in the review, I believe the V70R makes more sense than the S60R because it has fewer competitors. Jun 27 '03
5:31 am PST
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an additional thought (Reply to this comment)
by havugrappa
A detailed review to be sure. One additional comment on the price point you mentioned. The S60R can be had at my local dealership for approximately 36-37k with a host of options. The BMW M3 however is going for approximately 50k with similar options. And while the A4 is not out just yet in my area, Audis are not heavily discounted and would expect it to go for a BMW M3 45-50k. So the Volvo is really, read REALLY an outstanding buy in the category.
In terms of finish, I would have to say that the only missing element I see is the lack of true wood finishes across the dash and doors. But the metallic door handles, blue bezel instrumentation and other touches are outstanding.
Again, a very good review. Waiting for your take on the V70R. I think that is a great machine, particularly when you compare it against the less speedy, lower MPG SUV counterparts on the market. Jun 26 '03
5:09 pm PST
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Outstanding Review (Reply to this comment)
by s60r
Very impressed with the level of research that mkaresh obviously put into this article. I recently purchased (after quite a wait) the first S60R in Marin County and, for a loyal Volvo enthusiast, received the perfect car. Our 2000 V70R, while a bit short on punch for most enthusiasts, had me eagerly awaiting the arrival of the updated S60R. The S4 and M3 undoubtedly win the performance award, but for those looking for a comfortable road trip, look no further. Fantastic review. Jun 20 '03
12:23 pm PST
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Excellent! (Reply to this comment)
by vara, in Cars & Motorsports
One of your better reviews of late, Michael. Thanks for the wonderful contribution. I read this article with some keen interest as a friend of mine just purchased the S60 recently (base, though). Nice car overall... solid, and I imagine the R has plenty of gusto!
Take care and keep writing.
-Daniel Jun 19 '03
3:03 pm PST
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Re: Boost Gauge (Delete your comment)
by mkaresh
Saab continues to fit its cars with analog boost guages, and the Pontiac Grand Prix has a digital boost gauge among the functions of its info center.
But now that you mention it I don't recall one in other recent turbocharged cars I've driven. A shame, really. Unless boost is immediate, as in Audi's 2.7, a boost gauge can be helpful.
The aftermarket seems to agree, as a search turns up quite a few of them for just about every turbo on the market, especially VWs and Audis. Jun 19 '03
4:41 am PST
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Boost Gauge (Reply to this comment)
by herr_kaufmann
Thoroughly comprehensive as usual!
I would be interested on testing this car - I driven the conventional S60 but this model certainly sounds interesting.
Regarding your comment on the Turbo Boost Gauge - I think you would be fairly hard pressed to find any car with one of these today, it seems to be something left back in the 1980's. The new Rolls Royce Phantom has a "power reserve" gauge but you will have to spend alot of money to get that function in a car!
Otto
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Aug 07 '03
12:08 pm PDT
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